ECT Nightmares, Boundaries & Staff Room Realities | Sir, You Look Tired

Welcome back to another episode of "Sir, You Look Tired"! Martin and Dan get real about the wild world of teaching, sharing honest stories from the trenches - especially those early years as ECTs. From toxic school cultures and impossible workloads to the importance of setting boundaries, this episode is packed with practical advice, hard-won lessons, and plenty of laughs for teachers everywhere.Whether you’re a new teacher navigating your first leadership role, or a seasoned pro with your own staff room horror stories, this one’s for you. We cover everything from glue stick shortages and folder drama to the power of saying no, the value of unions, and why every teacher needs to protect their wellbeing. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate us five stars, and share your own tales from the classroom!Timestamps & chapters below 👇00:00 - Welcome Back & New School Year Vibes00:27 - ECTs, Assistant Heads & Toxic School Cultures02:41 - Early Career Struggles: Saying Yes & Being Overworked06:29 - Leadership Roles, Delegation & Staff Room Stories09:52 - Folder Drama, Mentors & Surviving Inspections23:49 - Power Trips, Staff Turnover & School Politics27:09 - Boundaries, Burnout & Learning to Say No32:57 - Advice for New Teachers: Red Flags & Self-Protection35:46 - Final Thoughts: Unions, Support & Listener Shoutouts36:59 - Outro & How to Reach Us